Mary Goplen — Zumbrota

Mary Edith Goplen, 91, of Zumbrota, passed away April 28, 2016, at her home in the Zumbrota Health Services.

Edith was born Sept. 8, 1924, in Jewett, Texas, to Ernest and Annie Laurie (Fellbaum) Brautigam. Edith graduated from Incarnate Word College Santa Rosa School of Nursing, San Antonio, Texas, in the spring of 1946. Edith met Francis A. Goplen during World War II in San Antonio. They were married after his return to the States, July 27, 1946.

Edith's smile was as big as the state of Texas. Her nursing career spanned 40 years. Edith's church life was very important to her. She was active in WELCA and the women's circles. Edith was a member of Eastern Star, serving as Worthy Matron. She was active in Girl Scouts as a troop leader. She cherished her summers in Northern Minnesota at her and Francis' lake home. Edith loved being in the boat, fishing with Francis, golfing and playing Bridge, Cribbage, Wizard and Scrabble. Above all, she loved her family and friends. Edith was truly grateful for her sisters and brothers in-laws who were her family in the north.

Edith is survived by her husband Francis, daughters Ruth (Dean) Novak of Republic, Mo., Mary (Sonia Stehr) Goplen and Ann Goplen, both of Zumbrota; grandchildren Marc (Christy) Jorgensen and Kelly Hicks; great-grandchildren Molly Jorgensen, Tyler and Reese Hicks; her sister JoAnn (Harry) Davis of Galveston, Texas; family by choice Laurie (Todd) Turner, sons Travis and TJ, Traci Jo (Derek) Crase, son William, Nicole (Luis) Alarcon, daughters Mikaila and Ashley; and her faithful companion Comet.

Edith was preceded in death by her parents Ernest and Annie Laurie and her sister Elizabeth Price.

Edith requested memorials to United Redeemer Lutheran Church, Zumbrota Care Center or Mayo Hospice.

A special thank you to Zumbrota Health Services, Mayo Hospice and Pastor Marggi for their great care and friendship.

A memorial service will be on Friday, May 6, at 11 a.m. at United Redeemer Lutheran Church, 560 Third St. W, Zumbrota, with visitation from 10 a.m. until time of the service. The Rev. Dr. Marggi Pleiss-Sippola will officiate.